Jim Leonhard is a hot name for the open defensive coordinator positions. He's been rumored to the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants. He was even rumored as a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys; however, they weren't patient enough and hired Christian Parker, the Philadelphia Eagles' passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
An ESPN radio host gave an update that many Wisconsin fans will want to hear. Rob Demovsky said that the Packers won't make any decisions until they can talk to Leonard.
“I don’t think anything happens until he can talk to Jim Leonhard.”
— CheeseheadTV 🧀 (@cheeseheadtv) January 23, 2026
“They’re gonna talk to Jim Leonhard before any decision is made.”
-@RobDemovsky on ESPN Wisconsin Radio pic.twitter.com/ehgSgHCNsO
Jim Leonhard to the Green Bay Packers would be a match made in heaven for Wisconsin fans.
Related: While fans push for Jim Leonhard, the Packers interview another former Badger coach
Every team has to wait until Sunday night after the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. No team can interview him until that game is over, win or lose. If they win, they can make the hire, but will have to wait until after the Super Bowl before he can come on staff fully. If the Broncos lose, he's fair game.
All these teams have Leonhard on the short list for the next defensive coordinator; it's the Green Bay Packers job that most Wisconsin fans are keeping an eye on. They could see not only a huge step for a former Badger into a great defensive coordinator role, but also a return home to the state of Wisconsin.
And it looks like Green Bay is also at least wanting to see if he's a fit for the role. Matt LaFluer may end up wanting to go a different direction but he would score a lot of points in the state if he picks the hometown Badger.
Many assume that Leonhard would take the job if offered, even with other defensive coordinator jobs on the table. It would be a homecoming, not only to where he went to college but also where he grew up. That would be a win for Leonhard, a win for the Packers (as he's one of the top DC candidates in the NFL), and a win for Wisconsin fans. A rare, win-win-win situation.